The political and economic arrangements of governments are not enough to guarantee the lasting and sincere support of the people. Peace must be based on dialogue and mutual understanding. Peace must be built on the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity.
In this spirit, UNESCO develops educational tools to help people live as citizens of the world free from hatred and intolerance. UNESCO works to ensure that every child and every citizen has access to quality education. By promoting cultural heritage and the equal dignity of all cultures, UNESCO strengthens the bonds between nations. UNESCO promotes science programs and policies as platforms for development and cooperation. UNESCO defends freedom of expression as a fundamental right and an essential condition for democracy and development. As a laboratory of ideas, UNESCO helps countries adopt international standards and runs programs that promote the free flow of ideas and the exchange of knowledge.
The founding vision of UNESCO was born in response to a world war marked by racist and anti-Semitic violence. Seventy years later and many liberation struggles later, UNESCO's mandate is more relevant than ever. Cultural diversity is under attack and new forms of intolerance, rejection of scientific facts and threats to freedom of expression challenge peace and human rights. In response, UNESCO's duty remains to reaffirm the humanistic missions of education, science and culture.